| Sumario: | The causes of birth defects are in many cases multi-factorial. Genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle and nutrition can all contribute to an increased risk of birth abnormalities and illness during pregnancy. Studies to date have found that insufficient dietary folic acid can increase the incidence of neural tube defects. Areas where herbicides and pesticides are used regularly have an increased incidence of birth defects. A lack of dietary zinc and vitamin E is also linked to low birth weight, as is maternal and paternal smoking. Low dietary vitamin C and paternal smoking can cause damage to sperm DNA, which may also contribute to foetal abnormalities, and maternal drinking is associated with alcohol foetal syndrome. Most nutritional and environmental factors that contribute to birth defects can be modified. All healthcare professionals therefore need to more closely examine the role of dietary supplements and lifestyle changes required to reduce the prevalence of these abnormalities.
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